Four thirty, she said, Artemius thought to himself, slipping into the Leaky Cauldron on the hour.

Two thirty, he'd met his mother at St. Mungo's for a meal in the tearoom not too far from the Lycanthropy ward - frescatta sandwiches. And of course, a tour of the ward -- far too many familiar faces, all too happy to see him. Requests for Ernie were made, but the truth was, he was just there for lunch and a quick hello. He did do a bit of juggling, though, to the delight of some of the younger patients, but only because he couldn't bare their pleading.

Three thirty snuck up on him, and he had briskly made his way back through London, trying to familiarise himself with the streets and venues. There was an obnoxious cafe a couple blocks away from Diagon Alley that had this ginormous, tacky teacup sticking out of the front of the establishment, a well-meaning used bookstore watching it with fond amusement.

Sighing with relief at the warm interior of the pub, he shrugged at his coat, happy to be indoors again. He quickly grabbed a spare table and claimed it with his coat. Glancing at the clock, it was only three after. "Well... I made good time. Date prolly had something to do with that..." he muttered to himself, heading towards the bar.

At the bar, the barkeep spotted him. "'Ello, Baxby. Your usual?"

"Ah..." He debated for a moment, then shrugged. "Why not? But, I'll be over at that table, yeah?" The bartender nodded, and Artemius returned to his table. Not too long after that, a barmaid delivered his rum and coke.

"Here you are, sir."

"Ah. Thank you."

Arista had a second date and she was going to Santorini! It was the closest Arista had ever come to having a “meet the parents” date. Although she and Artemius were not going to meet her parents, they were going to go to where Arista’s father grew up: Santorini, Greece. It was gorgeous and a perfect escape from the disgustingly icky weather in England’s winters. Santorini was lucky enough to have two restaurants that weren’t strictly Greek cuisine but instead, were seafood based. Hopefully Artemius didn’t mind having a fish head staring at him as he ate. It took getting used to no matter what nationality or culture the person was.

Arista had planned on meeting Artemius at the Leaky Cauldron at four-thirty. She didn’t know if she was going to be able to go home to change after work since she did get off until four-fifteen anyway. So Arista had brought her date clothing to the office. She was happy to be in something light and airy compared with the amount of clothing she had to wear in the English winters. She wore khaki capris, a floaty top and her favorite heels. It was a comfortable outfit and one that she thought didn’t make her look like she was trying too hard. But of course, Arista felt normal and at ease with Artemius so she tried not worry too much about what she was wearing.

Arista left the office with fifteen minutes to spare. She put on her light jacket and walked out into the bitterly cold wind. She had protected herself with a heating charm so that she wouldn’t have to wear a heavier coat. Once they got to Santorini it would be much warmer and she didn’t want to deal with a heavy cloak or coat. She walked quickly, keeping her head down. Fighting the wind she managed to make it to the Leaky Cauldron a few minutes early, sighing as she found herself in a warm room.

Looking around, Arista located Artemius and smiled. “Hiya stranger.” He was sitting with his coat blocking a seat, drinking some dark beverage. “Did you start the party without me?” She asked, moving his coat so she could sit. The drink smelled slightly of alcohol and something Arista didn’t recognize completely.

After a few minutes, after Artemius had finished his drink and paid, Arista stood up and took Artemius’ hand. “Ready for Greece?”

Blech. Why did he drink this stuff? He sipped at the drink and put it back, wondering about it once more. He was a very strange person. And when you admitted that to yourself, that was pretty bad.

His garb was considerably lighter than usual -- a light dress shirt that he usually wore in the summertime, with a tee underneath, in case that was too much. His thick, wool coat -- now properly laced with heating Charms -- easily sufficed to keep him sufficiently warm, although it was still a bit nippy on the walk in. He was twirling his concoction -- the bubbles something to occupy his eyes as he waited -- hen Arista arrived. She made her way to him and smiled.

"Hiya, Stranger."

He looked up and grinned. "Hello, gorgeous," he replied. She was dressed in something a bit lighter than even he was wearing -- my that top was quite delicious -- and he wondered if perhaps a cooling Charm might be good...

“Did you start the party without me?” she asked, moving his coat so she could sit.

He chuckled. "Just a rum and coke. The cola is all fizzy, and then you mix it with the rum, and it makes for a rather disgusting concoction. Ever tried one?"

He tentatively pushed it forward, should she be curious.

When the drink was gone, however, he paid his tab, and they both stood.

“Ready for Greece?”

"I don't know, am I?" he asked, smiling humbly. He draped his coat over his arm, not sure if he was going to use it or not.

The way Artemius greeted her, Arista couldn’t help but grin. She liked being called gorgeous and she liked the attention. She was generally a no-frills girl, not wanting to seek too much attention, but it was occasionally nice to have somebody who wanted to dote on her. It was something a bit different than she was used to, but of course, new wasn’t always bad.


He chuckled. "Just a rum and coke. The cola is all fizzy, and then you mix it with the rum, and it makes for a rather disgusting concoction. Ever tried one?"

Artemius pushed the drink forward and Arista picked it up curiously. She took a sip and immediately put it down. “It tastes like tea.” She teased, “Absolutely disgusting. I suppose it’s an acquired taste? I prefer mojitos or something with fruit personally.” She pushed the drink towards him to let him finish it. “So apparently we are somewhat compatible in everything except drinks. Ah well,” Arista shrugged, smiling. “I guess we can’t win them all.”

"I don't know, am I?"

Arista’s first instinct was to go aww, but she figured that wouldn’t play well, so she did the second instinct that came to mind. “Mmh, I think you might need a little encouragement.” She stood on her tiptoes and ever-so lightly kissed his lips. Quick and simple, before she returned to a normal standing position, hand in his, and started out towards the Ministry.

Once back at the Ministry Arista sighed. “You know, it’s like I can’t leave this place. We go on a date and here we are – back at work.” Their destination was the sixth floor – the Department of Magical Transportation. “So, you might want to leave your coat in my office since you probably won’t need it. It’s on the first floor so we don’t have to stop anywhere else on the elevator.”

She waited, somewhat impatiently herself, for what he might decide to do, or choose to keep his coat or not. She couldn’t wait to be in Greece again!

Arista took a sip and immediately put it down. “It tastes like tea.” She teased, “Absolutely disgusting."

Artemius gaped, though he knew it was a joke. "Well, if that's what you think tea tastes like, then yes, I understand why you hate it. This stuff is horridly sweet - tha's the rum and coke flavour - and fizzy, too, which is just disconcerting. Who on earth makes tea that tastes like this disgusting thing?" he asked, grinning.

"I suppose it’s an acquired taste? I prefer mojitos or something with fruit personally.” She pushed the drink towards him to let him finish it. “So apparently we are somewhat compatible in everything except drinks. Ah well,” Arista shrugged, smiling. “I guess we can’t win them all.”

Artemius chuckled. "Actually, I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy a fruity concoction every so often. Mango daiquiri is my favourite actually -- people think I'm mad for loving mangos, but I'll do with a strawberry after."

“Mmh, I think you might need a little encouragement.” She stood on her tiptoes and ever-so lightly kissed his lips. Quick and simple, before she returned to a normal standing position, hand in his, and started out towards the Ministry.

Oh ho ho. I see the rush wasn't unwarranted, Mr. Baxby.

Indeed it wasn't. Was it his fault, or hers, that a was grin plastered over his face that rivaled any he could have painted there himself for longevity?

She had slipped her hand into his, once more, smiling at him, and he quite happily held it. Her long fingers matched his own, although hers were considerably smaller and slenderer -- although it was warm and soft, it was almost like he was holding the hand of a very pretty porcelain doll.

Once back at the Ministry Arista sighed. “You know, it’s like I can’t leave this place. We go on a date and here we are – back at work.”

He shrugged. "I wasn't quite sure how we were getting there. If I'd've known you intended to go this way, I'd have met you here, you know," he told her. Of course, then they wouldn't have walked here themselves... He gave her a playfully suspicious eye. "Unless, of course, that walk was all a rouse and a trap to get me completely enamoured of you so I can endure whatever kind of torment awaits me at our destination," he teasingly accused.

"You might want to leave your coat in my office, since you probably won’t need it. It’s on the first floor so we don’t have to stop anywhere else on the elevator.”

"I suppose that works," he replied. "Or I could drop it off at my locker in Security since I won't need it in the morning -- also on the first floor," he suggested, as they entered the elevator.

Artemius gaped, though he knew it was a joke. "Well, if that's what you think tea tastes like, then yes, I understand why you hate it. This stuff is horridly sweet - tha's the rum and coke flavour - and fizzy, too, which is just disconcerting. Who on earth makes tea that tastes like this disgusting thing?" he asked, grinning.

“There’s a peppermint kind – actually I think they combined peppermint and lavender. It was absolutely disgusting. Swore tea off from then on – except when we made our tea deal a few days ago, of course.” She added, smiling.

Artemius seemed to be grinning like a bumbling idiot which made Arista chuckle. “Am I going to have to kiss that ridiculous grin off of your face?” She asked, ready and very willing to if need be.

He shrugged. "I wasn't quite sure how we were getting there. If I'd've known you intended to go this way, I'd have met you here, you know," he told her. Of course, then they wouldn't have walked here themselves... He gave her a playfully suspicious eye. "Unless, of course, that walk was all a rouse and a trap to get me completely enamoured of you so I can endure whatever kind of torment awaits me at our destination," he teasingly accused.

She laughed out loud this time, finding the idea funny. “I have a friend in Floo that owes me a favor remember? And of course I’m trying to get you completely enamored with me, but that’s only because I find you charming and just right for me. There will be no meeting of family unless you want to. Basically I was just going to walk around town and maybe I would treat you to a seafood restaurant, but other than that, it was up to you.”

Artemius smiled and offered his own suggestion to the problem. They ended up putting it in her office – an excuse, in her mind, to see him the next morning though she highly doubted that he would mind. And then up to the Magical Transportation floor. “So, apparently international floo isn’t all that fun – you don’t mind though do you? It’s the quickest since Apparation requires all these little gimmicks and stuff to make sure you don’t splice yourself.”

Her hand was still in his when they entered the room where Arista’s friend, Emilia was. “Hi Eme, I was wondering if I could take that favor you owe me now? We wanted to go to Santorini – my family’s there.” She explained as if she really needed a reason.

Emilia eyed Artemius carefully and then nodded, getting the Floo fireplace ready. “So, ready to see my world?”

“There’s a peppermint kind – actually I think they combined peppermint and lavender. It was absolutely disgusting. Swore tea off from then on – except when we made our tea deal a few days ago, of course.” She added, smiling.

"Lech! Herbals? Honestly?" He gave her a pitying grin. "Herbals by themselves are acquired tastes, and not something that ought to be mixed. I will teach you about black teas, darling. English Breakfast, Earl Grey, that sort of thing. We'll get you fixed up eventually..."

Artemius seemed to be grinning like a bumbling idiot which made Arista chuckle. “Am I going to have to kiss that ridiculous grin off of your face?” She asked, ready and very willing to if need be.

"Darling, I sincerely doubt that would help, even in the very slightest," he replied, still beaming.

She laughed out loud this time, finding the idea funny. “I have a friend in Floo that owes me a favor remember? And of course I’m trying to get you completely enamored with me, but that’s only because I find you charming and just right for me. There will be no meeting of family unless you want to. Basically I was just going to walk around town and maybe I would treat you to a seafood restaurant, but other than that, it was up to you.”

"Ah! Seafood is wonderful. As to the rest, let Eris decide. If it isn't for the best, it'll at least be tons of fun, yeah?"

“So, apparently international floo isn’t all that fun..."

"Darling, floo in general isn't all that fun. That's why it's named after a virus we haven't a cure for -- the influenza," he replied with a smirk. At least, that's what his parents used to say.

"But you don’t mind though do you? It’s the quickest since Apparation requires all these little gimmicks and stuff to make sure you don’t splice yourself.”

He sighed. "If we absolutely have to." And yet he grinned. "I'm just messing. It's fine. I will endure, like the warriour I am," he jested.

They finally arrived in the room they needed, where Arista's friend -- a girl friend, Artemius noticed without amusement -- was waiting for them. Great. At least now, when he hears his ears ringing, he knows who she's gossiping about him to.

“Hi Eme, I was wondering if I could take that favor you owe me now? We wanted to go to Santorini – my family’s there.” She explained as if she really needed a reason.

"I know, it sounds like a foolish reason, but I've got a wee bit of masochist in me, y'know?" he added, wondering if he might be able to spook the friend.

She eyed him carefully, and he grinned with satisfaction, before she nodded, and got the Floo ready.

Arista turned to him with a smile. “So, ready to see my world?”

"Does it have magic carpets and genies in oil lamps, by chance? Or just relatives and seafood?"

"Lech! Herbals? Honestly?" He gave her a pitying grin. "Herbals by themselves are acquired tastes, and not something that ought to be mixed. I will teach you about black teas, darling. English Breakfast, Earl Grey, that sort of thing. We'll get you fixed up eventually..."

“See, and you wonder how I hated tea in the first place! And thank you for fixing me up, as you said, and also, for giving me a nickname.” She said smiling, thinking of how now she was darling instead of Arista. She wouldn’t have minded Ari, but of course, she wasn’t going to complain now that he had fixed on one.

"Darling, I sincerely doubt that would help, even in the very slightest," he replied, still beaming.

“But I have to try don’t I?” She grinned, standing up on her tip toes again, this time letting her lips linger just a few seconds longer. “Okay, enough trying for this country. I can’t get you looking like a tomato if my way doesn’t work,” she said, chuckling a bit.

"Ah! Seafood is wonderful. As to the rest, let Eris decide. If it isn't for the best, it'll at least be tons of fun, yeah?"

“Yeah. And there’s always that rock that overlooks both the ocean and the town. If all else fails we can just sit there and talk. Because we’ve both proven we can talk.”

"Darling, floo in general isn't all that fun. That's why it's named after a virus we haven't a cure for -- the influenza," he replied with a smirk.

Arista giggled, unable to contain herself. She leaned against him, her giggle turning into a laugh. “You’re funny.” She finally managed.

He sighed. "If we absolutely have to." And yet he grinned. "I'm just messing. It's fine. I will endure, like the warriour I am," he jested.

“No, no warrior – I think you’re more an Aragon if we’re still going by Lord of the Rings standards. Although I have to say I liked Orlando Bloom’s build better, but…” She stopped, smiling. “You really need to stop me when I start babbling about my fascination with male actors.”

"Does it have magic carpets and genies in oil lamps, by chance? Or just relatives and seafood?"

Arista laughed. “I might be able to capture a genie or two – but we Greeks prefer mythical creatures.” She stepped into the floor, shouted her destination and then went wooshing away.

She landed in a Santorini fireplace and she managed to get herself all cleaned up before Artemius came through himself. She let him dust himself off too – Floo always caused some dirtying which is why the purebloods preferred not to use it.

She took his hand again, smiling. “Welcome to the very un-happening bar of Santorini.”

“See, and you wonder how I hated tea in the first place! And thank you for fixing me up, as you said, and also, for giving me a nickname.”

He cocked his head to the side. Nickname? He tried to think of what he'd said, but couldn't come up with anything, and shrugged.

“But I have to try don’t I?”

This time he had warning, and slowed to a stop as she grinned. She stood up on the tips of her toes -- god, that was adoreable, that was -- and kissed him again. This time, she lingered enough for him to kiss back -- there was a very faint, lingering taste of his former drink there, and it made him smile.

“Okay, enough trying for this country. I can’t get you looking like a tomato if my way doesn’t work,” she said, chuckling a bit.

"Heeheehee..." Ah, so it was only a precursor for more to come! He quite liked this girl.

“Yeah. And there’s always that rock that overlooks both the ocean and the town. If all else fails we can just sit there and talk. Because we’ve both proven we can talk.”

He chuckled. "If you don't have a problem with that, love, I don't."

Apparently that was a bit too strong for her, first she was giggling, and then had to lean against him for support as she was overcome with laughter. He chuckled himself, a bit proud to have brought out such a reaction in her.

“You’re funny.” She finally managed.

He laughed aloud. "Well, thank you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Do you think you can still walk, love?"

“No, no warrior – I think you’re more an Aragon if we’re still going by Lord of the Rings standards. Although I have to say I liked Orlando Bloom’s build better, but…” She stopped, smiling. “You really need to stop me when I start babbling about my fascination with male actors.”

He gave her a smirk. "Yes, you're going to bruise my delicate ego," he joked. "And actually, I take the Mortensen comment as a compliment. As for the elf... Well, he's an elf. I can't fault you too much. Although I hear I make a really good double for John Cusack... But I sincerely doubt he was raised by wolves or has my wicked sense of humour," he said with a grin.

Arista laughed. “I might be able to capture a genie or two – but we Greeks prefer mythical creatures.” She stepped into the floo, shouted her destination and then went wooshing away.

"She did say 'Santorini', right? Not sand zucchini?" he asked the friend. She gave him a dubious eye. "I wouldn't want to lose her so soon -- it's only a second date..." He slipped into the floo and shouted the same, letting his mind ponder on the girl's confusion instead of the spinning.

When he finally stopped, he found himself thrown on his feet at a not-so familiar fireplace, but a quick hand to the wall gave him back his balance. Speaking of Eris, she'd have loved this -- in fact, I'm sure she was responsible for the invention of the Floo.

"I'm here!" he declared, holding his hands up triumphantly. "I made it! I'm in Sandy Zucchini!" He beamed. Comedy was his way of dealing with the unknown, and how better to make an entrance than with goofiness? He quickly brushed off as much soot as he could manage from his garments, and realised the heat was no longer from the floo, but from his habitat. "Pretty humid here..." he noted.

She took his hand again, smiling. “Welcome to the very un-happening bar of Santorini.”

He held on to her hand as well, grinning. "Unhappening? What, did it break?" He wasn't sure where all the jokes were coming from today, but it was fun.

"Heeheehee..."

He laughed like a little, teetering child which made Arista smile a bit larger, if that was even possible. He seemed to enjoy the kiss, even trying to kiss her back which made her keep the large smile. It felt like she was in heaven - she was with a great guy who didn't seem to have any faults, although she was sure that sometime she was going to find a demon that would bring everything down. Of course, she hoped there either wasn't one or it was a little one, like being addicted to tea, that would be easy to deal with.

He laughed aloud. "Well, thank you." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Do you think you can still walk, love?"

"I'll try." She managed, putting a hand on his arm that had wrapped around her, attempting to stabalize her.

He gave her a smirk. "Yes, you're going to bruise my delicate ego," he joked. "And actually, I take the Mortensen comment as a compliment. As for the elf... Well, he's an elf. I can't fault you too much. Although I hear I make a really good double for John Cusack... But I sincerely doubt he was raised by wolves or has my wicked sense of humour," he said with a grin.

"Well I'm glad that he wasn't raised by wolves or have your wicked sense of humor because I'm not a huge fan of John Cusack. And his wife is absolutely terrible."


"I'm here!" he declared, holding his hands up triumphantly. "I made it! I'm in Sandy Zucchini!" He beamed.

Arista merely smiled, softly chuckling. "I would think a sandy zucchini would be absolutely disgusting, but for you, I will bear it." She grinned, feeling like she wanted to kiss him again.

"Pretty humid here..." he noted.

"I did warn you." She took off her jacket, hanging it up on a peg in the bar, letting the fluttery sleeves float in a slight breeze.

He held on to her hand as well, grinning. "Unhappening? What, did it break?"

She laughed, ready with a retort. "No... it just decided that it was going to hide from society for about ten years."

"Well I'm glad that he wasn't raised by wolves or have your wicked sense of humor because I'm not a huge fan of John Cusack. And his wife is absolutely terrible."

"He has a wife? I'd always wondered about that... Never see her. His sister, Joan, shows up a lot... He's one of those guys that has a lot of little inside jokes in all of his movies -- his favourite bands get mentioned, lot of his friends are consistent co-stars... And he's rarely in a big spotlight." Artemius grinned. "Although he's a very outspoken liberalist and cynic, so I guess he might not be so joyous to be about in real life."

Arista merely smiled, softly chuckling. "I would think a sandy zucchini would be absolutely disgusting, but for you, I will bear it." She grinned, feeling like she wanted to kiss him again.

"I actually said that that's where I was going to your friend back there," he added. "She might get a wee worried." He grinned. "I'm being mischeivous again."

"I did warn you." She took off her jacket, hanging it up on a peg in the bar, letting the fluttery sleeves float in a slight breeze.

"You did. But... y'know. Actually being here and all that."

She laughed, ready with a retort. "No... it just decided that it was going to hide from society for about ten years."

"Ah... My dad's probably been here before, then. If anyone greets me by Blake, don't be surprised." As he looked about it seemed to indeed be a rather humble place, but definitely somewhere he could see himself frequenting were he a local.

"He has a wife? I'd always wondered about that... Never see her. His sister, Joan, shows up a lot... He's one of those guys that has a lot of little inside jokes in all of his movies -- his favourite bands get mentioned, lot of his friends are consistent co-stars... And he's rarely in a big spotlight." Artemius grinned. "Although he's a very outspoken liberalist and cynic, so I guess he might not be so joyous to be about in real life."

Arista blushed, feeling incredibly stupid. "I meant his sister. I have absolutely no clue if he has a wife." She covered her face with her hands, trying to get them to cool down. "I should have known that." She smiled, dropping her hands. "But then again, there's my stupid mistake of date number two. Now it's officially your turn. To embarrass yourself and make a stupid mistake I mean." She grinned, taking his hand instead of letting it rest around her shoulders like it had previously.

"I actually said that that's where I was going to your friend back there," he added. "She might get a wee worried." He grinned. "I'm being mischeivous again."

Arista gasped in mock horror. "You can't really joke with Emilia. See... that's how she owes me a favor. Her boss decided to joke with her and she took it seriously. Let's just say that the janitor has never been the same since." Arista said, smirking just a bit. "I think it was all the funnier because Emilia can't flirt at all but she managed to snag the janitor. Anyway, I found her and she said she would do anything for me. So now I suppose we're even." She paused, realizing something. "But I don't suppose rescuing her from a closet half-naked is a bit worse than asking for a free floo to Santorini. What do you think?"

"You did. But... y'know. Actually being here and all that.

"Oh, I see..." Arista began mischeviously. "You doubted that I would take you or you thought that I lied about the weather. I told you," She was grinning now. "I don't lie."

She walked him out of the restaurant, entering the warm Grecian air and it's crazy amounts of sunshine. "Well, Blake is shorter than Artemius," she mused. "And so is Ari... you need a nickname." She decided, looking up to him as they strolled along the streets. "I'll let you pick, but please don't pick Blake because I don't really want to be dating your father."

Arista blushed, feeling incredibly stupid. "I meant his sister. I have absolutely no clue if he has a wife."

Artemius laughed. "Common misconception."

"But then again, there's my stupid mistake of date number two. Now it's officially your turn. To embarrass yourself and make a stupid mistake I mean." She grinned, taking his hand instead of letting it rest around her shoulders like it had previously.

"Ah... I'll keep that in mind," he replied with a smile.

Arista gasped in mock horror. "You can't really joke with Emilia. See... that's how she owes me a favor. Her boss decided to joke with her and she took it seriously. Let's just say that the janitor has never been the same since." Arista said, smirking just a bit. "I think it was all the funnier because Emilia can't flirt at all but she managed to snag the janitor. Anyway, I found her and she said she would do anything for me. So now I suppose we're even." She paused, realizing something. "But I don't suppose rescuing her from a closet half-naked is a bit worse than asking for a free floo to Santorini. What do you think?"

Artemius could hardly answer through his laughter. "Do I even want to know? Hee hee!" He sighed happily a great grin on his face. "Memo to self: Arista keeps blackmail books, just like me," he added with a wink and a teasing tongue.

"Oh, I see..." Arista began mischeviously. "You doubted that I would take you or you thought that I lied about the weather. I told you." She was grinning now. "I don't lie."

"Oh, I trust you. I just underestimated it. Also, acknowledgement of a higher power than myself," he added, bowing respectfully to her. He started to unbutton his shirt, and then decided it was best to ask. "You don't mind if I undress, do you?" He asked with a cheeky grin -- let her think naughty thoughts, just for fun.

She walked him out of the restaurant, entering the warm Grecian air and it's crazy amounts of sunshine. "Well, Blake is shorter than Artemius," she mused. "And so is Ari... you need a nickname." She decided, looking up to him as they strolled along the streets. "I'll let you pick, but please don't pick Blake because I don't really want to be dating your father."

Artemius chuckled. "Well, Artie is popular. Art, as well. But not Timmy, or I'd have to kill you," he explained. "There are only three people still alive that call me Timmy, and they've known me since I was a wee lad, which is why they get away with it." He pondered how much to add. "Of course, my middle name's also Merlin, which causes me a great deal of amusement," he added with a grin.

"You sound like you need a push." She teased, pointing out a mud puddle, "I could push you into it. It would even the playing field a bit wouldn't it?"

Arista smiled happily, laughing along with Artemius as they walked along. "You know I do. We should compare books - we might have somebody who is on both our lists and we can kill two birds with one stone. Team up so they'll never know it was coming." She smirked, thinking of who could possibly be on his blackmail list. "But I hope that I'm not on the list because I didn't say good morning one morning or some such stupid oversight as that."

"Ahh, I see we are a firm believer in Stewart?" She asked, referring to a satirical news show in the Muggle world. But then he asked if he could undress and Arista's cheeks instantly blushed and she stopped, thinking things she knew she probably shouldn't have been thinking, but nevertheless, she was thinking them. "Sure, just know I'm not going to join you yet in that." It was an odd comment but it was just enough to get Arista's mind to quiet and focus back on walking around Santorini.

"Well now you are going to get a big head because I say 'Oh dear Merlin' quiet often. But Art it is. Art and Ari - and interesting combination." She grinned, ready to turn a corner. "Are you hungry now or do you want to go to a secret hiding place of mine first?"

"You sound like you need a push." She teased, pointing out a mud puddle, "I could push you into it. It would even the playing field a bit wouldn't it?"

"Entirely depends. Will you introduce me to family later that might be embarassing? It'd make a bad impression. But if it's all fun, I have a philosophy of 'dirt don't hurt'. And, of course, you have to add in the respective momentum. Do you think physics would be on your side?" He smirked. "Especially with the warning?"

"You know I do. We should compare books - we might have somebody who is on both our lists and we can kill two birds with one stone. Team up so they'll never know it was coming."

He laughed at her flirty, mischeivous smirk. "Ah, I don't write such incriminating evidence on paper. I keep it in here," he explained, tapping his temple. "Mind, that means one has to do a serious offense to make the list, but repeated annoyances earn their just desserts."

"But I hope that I'm not on the list because I didn't say good morning one morning or some such stupid oversight as that."

"Nah. If I made enemies for that, I'd be at war with nearly the whole of the Ministry's staff. And besides. You're cute, I'd forgive ya." He winked. He wondered if 'and dream about ya' was an appropriate joke at the time, and decided against it. "'Sides, I'm sure there are far bigger fish to fry than grumpy government workers."

"Ahh, I see we are a firm believer in Stewart?"

Artemius sighed. "Stewart and Colbert. One rivalry I never actually picked sides on. Although I'll wager a bet on Stewart, I think. I've seen a couple of his episodes, and they were fairly good. But, it's unfair choice at the moment..."

"Sure, just know I'm not going to join you yet in that."

It was a good thing he'd already turned. He was quite certain the face he had was one of stunned amazement. Yet. She'd said yet. Oh my, naughty thoughts indeed. Well, no one managed to get this far without going through puberty. He nevertheless said nothing, and managed to close his lips with a pleased smirk. Yet was a very hopeful word. And a good one, in the situation. ...Considering. And considering was a lovely thing to do, at that. Yes, he'd noticed the fine bust -- she'd not been shy about dressing them up for a modest, yet definite show -- and the long legs that even trainers couldn't hide. And the lovely olive skin... Her hands were soft, and her lips twitched into the most delightful smirks and the way they moved when she spoke... and kissed. And that voice... But he was getting far too far ahead of himself. Decency! He managed the last button, and took it off.

"You know, honestly, this is a summer shirt," he noted, after clearing his throat discreetly to steel himself. "But, apparently, Santorini doesn't like my penchant for dressy-ness. And, I haven't had the chance to acclimate to the change yet, I'm sure, has something to do with it. Artemius wouldn't call himself 'buff' -- because really, he'd grown up around werewolves -- but according to some, he never lost the build he got from Quidditch -- even considering his recent change of pace as far as lifestyle and the psuedo-depression/zombification after his father. And many folks suggested he played Beater. What, just 'cos a tall guy is solid he has to be a Neanderthal hitting balls around? Still, it wasn't unfounded. And without the dress shirt hiding them -- and honestly, the tee really advertised them -- it could be found that Artemius Baxby did have muscles. Nice ones, at that, but nothing that would impress any beefcakes. Normally, he didn't notice them but, with a pretty young witch who'd just said 'yet' watching, he felt a bit more conscious about them -- and a bit grateful they were there. Men and their egos.

"Well now you are going to get a big head because I say 'Oh dear Merlin' quiet often."

Artemius laughed.

But Art it is. Art and Ari - an interesting combination."

He smiled as well. A very promising observation. He thought back to her previous word -- yet -- and felt a soft smile on his lips. "Indeed it is." He wondered how long this might last. This, antsy prancing about cautiously for where the balance between the level they were on and the next one. Having not played the game very long, Artemius was never sure of the rules, and decided it was always best to err on the side of caution. An enterprising young girl would inform him of the next move.

She grinned, ready to turn a corner. "Are you hungry now or do you want to go to a secret hiding place of mine first?"

The word 'yet' once more rang into his mind, and 'secret hiding place of mine' suddenly had a completely different -- and far less innocent -- connotation to it. Oh, horrid woman. Why did you say that word? "Entirely up to you, my dearest." Nonchalant. That was cool, right? He wasn't really sure. Actually, it would probably depend a whole long on what the secret hiding place was. If it was anything like where 'yet' led him to believe, they should go there first. Eating after for recouperating. But he sincerely doubted that. Hoped, but doubted.

Damnit. What a trouble a word like 'yet' could be.

((Question: Have you ever seen the movie High Fidelity? *gives her a suspicious eye*))

"First off, I have no plans to introduce you to my family but it is true that we might run into one or two... or maybe the entire Seaborne side." She said but soon she lost her concentration to his taunt. Arista let go of his hand to stop walking and put her hands on her hips." Are you saying I can't push you in the mud because I'm a girl? Because if you are you are sadly mistaken."

"Just desserts? Sounds appetizing. But I wouldn't mind hearing your list - I find other peoples lists really fascinating actually."

"You know this discretion thing might get complicated since I'm going to want to kiss you in the mornings. And we'll see how this date goes because there is a chance closets might be involved." She took his hand smiling and teasing. Arista looked at him, waiting and wanting to see his reaction.

"I have to go with Maddow. I just love all that she's accomplished and she's so funny. So if we end up watching tv - fourth date my place - we can watch Maddow at eight, Stewart at ten and Colbert at ten-thirty. See everything would work out."

She noticed his slight grin on his face and she chuckled. "Let me know what you're thinking?"

He let her decide the place and so she decided on her hiding place. Holding his hand she led him to a cliff overlooking the ocean. It was secluded enoug so that few knew it but it provided a great view of the ocean and Santorini itself. She waited for him to sit down and then Arista sat down herself, curling up next to Artemius. With one arm wrapped around him, she looked up to him expectingly and then just kissed him.

"So what do you want to do? I mean, we can sit here, doing this, all night but I think stomach growling, which will be eventual, is not sexy."

"First off, I have no plans to introduce you to my family but it is true that we might run into one or two... or maybe the entire Seaborne side." She said but soon she lost her concentration to his taunt. Arista let go of his hand to stop walking and put her hands on her hips." Are you saying I can't push you in the mud because I'm a girl? Because if you are you are sadly mistaken."

"Heeheeheehee!" Artemius grinned. "I didn't say you couldn't, I just asked it if was wise?" She might end up in a sudden bear hug on its way into said puddle if she tried it, seeing as how polite upbringings said he couldn't push back.

"Just desserts? Sounds appetizing. But I wouldn't mind hearing your list - I find other peoples lists really fascinating actually."

"Well, Dolores Umbridge is on there, if she ever has the guts to show herself again, for obvious reasons. The Cheshire Cat, because he owes me twenty pounds..." He grinned. Ah, that was an old joke.

"You know this discretion thing might get complicated since I'm going to want to kiss you in the mornings. And we'll see how this date goes because there is a chance closets might be involved." She took his hand smiling and teasing.

Closets? Discretions? Perhaps she meant when she came in in the mornings, that she would greet him with a kiss? Then why did his vision of such a thing involve decidedly more sunshine than wandlight and blankets than robes? The closets word was a little misleading. He lifted an eyebrow at that. Did she know how much she was confusing him?

"I have to go with Maddow. I just love all that she's accomplished and she's so funny. So if we end up watching tv - fourth date my place - we can watch Maddow at eight, Stewart at ten and Colbert at ten-thirty. See everything would work out."

"That sounds like a plan," he agreed with a nod.

She noticed his slight grin on his face and she chuckled. "Let me know what you're thinking?"

He grinned. "Not on your life."

As it was, the 'secret spot' turned out to be a waterside cliff -- the saltwater was cool and relaxing -- it reminded him of home.

"Wow, this is... This is gorgeous." He smiled. "This really is beautiful." He looked over at her and smiled.

He sat down, and Arista sat beside him, wrapping an arm around him as she curled up into him. He smiled and wrapped an arm around her. She looked at him and he smiled. Then, she kissed him.

It was nice. He kissed back, and closed his eyes as he enjoyed the moment. The warm, summer air, the sea breezes, and the smell of the salt wafting with her own soft scent as her taste filled him with a gentle peace, the longing within content to just be, so close to each other. It was absolutely perfect.

After a long moment -- it seemed like years, and yet, like only a fleeting blink of an eye -- she looked up at him again with a smile. "So, what do you want to do? I mean, we can sit here, doing this, all night, but I think stomach growling, which will be eventual, is not sexy."

Artemius chuckled. "Yes. I'm starting to think food might have been the better choice." He smiled very fondly down at her. How did he find such a fantastic girl? It was all by coincidence. "Promise we can come back after? Or do you have more surprises for me?" This place was too perfect, for sure. The cliff, the sea, the warmth... and the girl. He would've loved to have stayed there all night. But she was right -- hunger would come. And of the food kind. The other hunger she'd stirred up in him was not to be forgotten, of course. But it was wonderful just to hold her in his arms. It was like... that was where she belonged, and had belonged, for forever. It was wonderful for her to finally be there. He looked back out at the sea. "This place reminds me of home."

"I didn't say you couldn't, I just asked it if was wise?"

Arista laughed, gently shoving him. "I always have physics on my side. She and I are close buddies since my childhood - she lived next door of course." She said with a smile, wondering if she actually did have physics on her side. And then of course, she thought about naming a child physics. That would be weird.

Well, Dolores Umbridge is on there, if she ever has the guts to show herself again, for obvious reasons. The Cheshire Cat, because he owes me twenty pounds..."

"Why does the Cheshire Cat owe you money?" She grinned, thinking back. "My Scottish cousins try to call me that because I'm constantly smiling but I always hex them after they say that so it isn't likely they'll try it again although sometimes I think they're very daft."

"Yes. I'm starting to think food might have been the better choice." He smiled very fondly down at her. How did he find such a fantastic girl? It was all by coincidence. "Promise we can come back after? Or do you have more surprises for me?"

"Actually, if you don't mind fast food we can get some seafood from a Nordsea like place. It's really good Greek seafood but it's fast food so we can get it in a paper cone or dish and walk back up here. It's the best of what we both want.

"This place reminds me of home."

"Well that's good I guess although I'm not sure I'm crazy about my home reminding you of werewolves." She curled closer, letting him keep her safe and also warm. "Now we have a problem. I'm not going to want to move. You're just too comfy."

"I always have physics on my side. She and I are close buddies since my childhood - she lived next door of course." She said with a smile.

Artemius laughed. "And I thought being raised by wolves was odd... That must have been a very interesting relationship," he jested, winking at her.

"Why does the Cheshire Cat owe you money?" She grinned, thinking back.

"He lost a bet. I bet him that I could get the Mad Hatter to have dinner instead of tea, and yet, he says it doesn't count -- that having dinner food at tea is still having tea. Bit ludicrous, really..."

"Actually, if you don't mind fast food we can get some seafood from a Nordsea like place. It's really good Greek seafood but it's fast food so we can get it in a paper cone or dish and walk back up here. It's the best of what we both want."

"Oh, do we?" He smirked. What did this little lady want, exactly? She intrigued him, that was sure, and he was immensely curious as to what her intentions were, exactly.

Artemius laughed. "No, not at all, dearest. I mean, the cliff, and the ocean. See, our cottage was off the coast of Wales -- the house was by a cliff, even. I can't tell you how many afternoons I spent leaning on the railing -- and sitting on it, at times -- just enjoying the sea breezes."

She curled closer, and he placed a chin on her head, letting her tuck in. "Now we have a problem. I'm not going to want to move. You're just too comfy."

He chuckled. "You can stay as long as you like, y'know," he joked. Not that he much wanted her to move, either. This was quite wonderful, as it was.

"Oh, of course it was an interesting relationship! Physics always wanted to show me the errors of my ways and she always sounded self-important doing so. Merlin sometimes I hated her but she stuck by me through my childhood and especially during Hogwarts." Arista smiled as she concocted the story. She loved being around him because he let her quirkiness out. A person who wrote important speeches all day warped an outlet for her fun. Of course when Arista was actually doing her job she loved it, but sometimes she just needed an outlet for all the bundled up quirkiness. Artemius let her be that person.

"Sounds interesting to have a bet going on with the Cheshire Cat over something as silly as dinner. Remind me not to bet you because it would be something stupid like who can eat a banana the quickest as opposes to a real bet like seeing who could drink the most tequila without throwing up. Although I personally prefer vodka contests to tequila contests." It was true that Ari could hold her drinks but she never saw the point in getting so drunk there would be major repercussions.

"You sound like you doubt my decision - or at least you're questioning it. Just know that I really do trust you to know... or well I don't really know what my thoughts were going there."

"It sounds beautiful. I've always loved the ocean so I'd love to visit a new place where there's the ocean." She could always relax just by listening to the sounds of the ocean and the smell. The smell was very addicting, at least for Arista.

"But I really should move because otherwise I'll fall asleep and I really don't want to fall asleep when I really want to just kiss you." Arista blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed for having admitted that to Artemius. It almost wasn't like her. But she didn't think about it for a moment and instead stood up, trying to pull Artis up with her. "Now ready for more food and then... We should probably go from there."

Artemius laughed at the Physics conocoction. Well, the girl could certainly think on her feet.

"Sounds interesting to have a bet going on with the Cheshire Cat over something as silly as dinner. Remind me not to bet you because it would be something stupid like who can eat a banana the quickest as opposes to a real bet like seeing who could drink the most tequila without throwing up. Although I personally prefer vodka contests to tequila contests."

"Oh god... You should never meet Molly, then. She loves drinking games," Artemius answered with a grimace. "I think it's either an Irish thing or a lycan thing -- likely a combination thereof."

"It sounds beautiful. I've always loved the ocean so I'd love to visit a new place where there's the ocean."

Artemius grinned. "Maybe one day I'll take you there." When the rubble is gone, and maybe even replaced with a new cottage. That would be really nice.

"But I really should move because otherwise I'll fall asleep and I really don't want to fall asleep when I really want to just kiss you."

Artemius grinned. Oh really? He was pretty sure he felt a bit of smug pride at that. He couldn't say he didn't want to either. In fact, he was tempted to assist...

When she jumped up to her feet, pulling him with her -- trying to dislocate his shoulder, he was sure, in her enthusiasm. "Now ready for more food and then... We should probably go from there."

Artemius grinned, wondering where exactly they would go. "Food is good," he agreed, coming to his own height quite easily. He brushed the grass off of him, feeling a bit like a kid with a summer love, particularly in the rather fantastic escape from the UK.

"Oh god... You should never meet Molly, then. She loves drinking games," Artemius answered with a grimace. "I think it's either an Irish thing or a lycan thing -- likely a combination thereof."

"First off, I would love to meet Molly. And secondly, I am not Irish. If you were to say that to my family they would get mad at you. I'm Scottish. There's a huge difference to us." Arista said, frowning. "I never exactly understood why, but we never call ourselves Irish. It replaces gluttony as one of the seven deadly sins."

Artemius agreed that food would be good and Arista was presented with a problem she hadn't been expecting. She didn't really want food right now. She just wanted to stay there with him. But it wasn't like he was leaving her was it? No, it wasn't.

So they walked down to the restaurant where Arista ordered some fresh fish coated in some cheesy breadcrumbs with some orzo all in a paper boat. She paid for both of them and then started back to the ridge, eating along the way.

"Favorite fish?" She asked as they turned a corner. "And favorite pasta. These are important things to know in case I have to cook and know what you don't like. I am forever cooking fish and pasta. It's one of my staples." She explained.

By the time they had gotten back to the ridge Arista had finished her minute portion and was happy to sit down again. Artemius followed, like the little obedient puppy he was. Without sounding disgustingly cute, he was a cute puppy too. She waited for him to finish his own meal - another combination of fish and some starch. And when he finally finished she went to kiss him, but just barely brushed his lips instead of giving a full kiss. It was a tease - a challenge to see if he would do anything.

And then she decided to just overwhelm him with a deeper kiss than she had before. It was a way of teasing yes, possibly, but it was also showing Artemius that Ari really did care about him. She scooted closer, keeping her arms wrapped around him, waiting and feeling exhilarated.

"First off, I would love to meet Molly."

Artemius grimaced. "I was afraid of that." That meant he would have to go dig her up. Not that he hadn't every intention to do so once the Cottage was put back up, but still.

"And secondly, I am not Irish. If you were to say that to my family they would get mad at you. I'm Scottish. There's a huge difference to us." Arista said, frowning. "I never exactly understood why, but we never call ourselves Irish. It replaces gluttony as one of the seven deadly sins."

"Yeah... I've noticed that. The Irish and Scots are both very picky about that. In all honesty, I just try to avoid it altogether, for fear of getting angry brutes in green and kilts after me." He snickered mischeivously. Horrible to use stereotypes, but it was all for fun.

They got some food -- Artemius asking for whatever it was Arista had ordered -- and she managed to pay for it before he noticed, cheeky woman -- and then headed back. It was a cheesy fish, which was interesting, but rather yummy.

"Favorite fish?" She asked as they turned a corner. "And favorite pasta. These are important things to know in case I have to cook and know what you don't like. I am forever cooking fish and pasta. It's one of my staples." She explained.

"Hmm... I do love fish and chips, but I'd have to say that cod and whiting are very yummy. I've been known to slurp down some salmon sashimi, too, but if you're going to go out for sushi, unagi is my favourite. I'm really not picky, though, and haven't had any kind of seafood I haven't liked. As for noodles, again. I'm a good eater, and am by no means picky. But I do like those little noodles -- about the size of macaroni, but little twirlers, y'know? My mother stopped serving them to me a long time ago because I would play with my food more than eat it," he added with a chuckle.

By the time they had gotten back to the ridge, Arista had finished her food, while Artemius had been too busy chattering to eat. Now, though, as they sat back down, he finished eating, enjoying the new dish.

When he was finally done, she went to kiss him, but it was just a peck. Kind of contrary, he thought. When she'd leaned towards him, he'd expected more. Was she conscious of the food, or being a tease? He gave her a questioning look. She just scooted closer and wrapped her arms around him.

"Alright, you," he decided, turning a bit. If this was a test, he wasn't going to fail it. He lightly took her chin in one hand and led her to face him before giving her a rather nice kiss himself. Food or no. See how she responded...

"Yeah... I've noticed that. The Irish and Scots are both very picky about that. In all honesty, I just try to avoid it altogether, for fear of getting angry brutes in green and kilts after me."

"Or you'd get me. And I'm not so sure how good I would look in a kilt." Arista was honest - she had never worn one except maybe when she was a baby and she wasn't sure even then. Kilts were one of those things... well, in Arista's opinion they were like Lederhosen. They needed to be banned. Although there were some kilts that could be cute. But where was she to wear it? She would get laughed at and called unprofessional at work and Artemius... well, he would think it was a stereotype wouldn't he?

"Hmm... I do love fish and chips, but I'd have to say that cod and whiting are very yummy. I've been known to slurp down some salmon sashimi, too, but if you're going to go out for sushi, unagi is my favourite. I'm really not picky, though, and haven't had any kind of seafood I haven't liked. As for noodles, again. I'm a good eater, and am by no means picky. But I do like those little noodles -- about the size of macaroni, but little twirlers, y'know? My mother stopped serving them to me a long time ago because I would play with my food more than eat it,"

"Well I like to throw some of my pasta against a wall to see if it's done. I have a mark on my wall from where I always throw it. Anyway, so playing with your food is fine with me. I think the pasta is rotini. I don't really like sushi but I am up for trying it again. And now that I know I won't feel weird cooking fish for you."

"Alright, you,"

Arista grinned, letting him turn her head. His own kiss was warm and although she could smell the faint scent of fish breath she supposed hers wasn't any better and continued to kiss him. It was a nice feeling - kissing was. Arista let herself scoot closer to him - he was nice to lean on anyway. The arm wrapped around his back ran down his shirt, maybe because she herself was shivering but not from cold.

He was gentle - something normally Arista would love but she felt like pushing the envelope of whatever was in that envelope. So she pushed him, wanting to see how he would respond to the new aggression in the kiss.

Oh well... whatever happened would happen wouldn't it?

"Or you'd get me. And I'm not so sure how good I would look in a kilt."

At that, Artemius cracked up. He'd never heard of a girl wearing a kilt before. A plaid skirt, perhaps, but it was hardly the same thing. The way she wrinkled her nose said she was one of those who probably didn't fancy men in kilts, which he supposed he ought to be relieved about. His mother, on the other hand, was not.

He chuckled about the noodles. He'd never actually done it himself -- he'd just tasted the noodles to see if they were done. Something about ruining the walls; whether it was Molly or his mother who fussed, he couldn't recall. "Ah, yes. Sushi is definitely something to try again. Always try again. You never know when you will like it. And once you do, you won't go back." He grinned. One of the side effects was a random craving for sushi from time to time. He was convinced that there was some kind of narcotic in the rice vinegar or something...

It was sweet, this kiss. Arista moved a bit closer, an arm moving down his shirt. It was like she was all around him... It was rather exciting. Artemius was certain he felt her shiver, even as one hand held him up on the grass and the other held her face. It slid back to cradle the back of her neck, his thumb teasing at that spot behind her ear... Such a curious, tiny little place. A curious crevice for sure.

Artemius wasn't sure if it was a button, or if she was testing him again -- and quite frankly, he didn't particularly mind either way. She pressed a bit more forcefully, and so he replied with a trailing of the tip of his tongue... Would she permit him?

"Ah, yes. Sushi is definitely something to try again. Always try again. You never know when you will like it. And once you do, you won't go back."

"I don't know about that, but I will try it again for you. What is this... like date number six that we have planned. We're crazy you know that? And somehow we fit which is weird but also not weird because we're Ravenclaws and I have absolutely no idea what I'm saying anymore." Arista said with a chuckle. She did honestly have no clue what she had just said although she knew it had something to do with sushi.

His finger teased the skin behind her ear which made her want more. She had never understood why she had always loved being kissed behind her ear, or even touched, but she did. She smiled back at Artemius who just seemed happy to be there. Which was good of course because if he wasn't he could just as easily Apparate back home. But of course, international apparation wasn't exactly easy and Artie never had been good at it.

As they kissed he flicked his tongue against her lips which she took to mean that he wanted access to her mouth which she easily granted. It was nice although it was starting to get a little chilly since the sun was starting to go down. After a few moments she broke away, shivering. "It's getting cold - I mean, not England in the winter without a coat cold, but I am cold. Do you want to go inside? It'll be dark soon anyway and I'm sure..." Arista suddenly looked at her watch alarmed. "Damn. I forgot about the time change. It's eight here so it's seven there... okay, I think we'll be fine to get you there on time but right now I really really want coffee." She looked at him with big, pleading eyes. Who could resist those?

"I don't know about that, but I will try it again for you. What is this... like date number six that we have planned?" Artemius chuckled. Yeah, it was rather random... "We're crazy, you know that? And somehow, we fit, which is weird, but also not weird because we're Ravenclaws, and I have absolutely no idea what I'm saying anymore." Arista said with a chuckle.

Artemius laughed. "But at the same time I completely understand," he replied with a grin. "Which is also weird, yes?" She was so adoreable when her topics meandered. He hoped his own topic hopping was as endearing.

She gave him entrance, but shyly. As if waiting, wondering. Perhaps something for another time. He enjoyed the taste of her, but retreated. When they seperated, it was by her own movement, and she was shivering. "It's getting cold - I mean, not England in the winter without a coat cold, but I am cold. Do you want to go inside? It'll be dark soon anyway and I'm sure..." If she was cold, he could offer his shirt, he thought... Arista suddenly looked at her watch alarmed. "Damn. I forgot about the time change. It's eight here so it's seven there... okay, I think we'll be fine to get you there on time but right now I really really want coffee."

She pouted up at him, and he grinned. "Sure, we can get coffee, love," he replied, giving her a kiss on the forehead before rising to his feet and holding out his hands to help her up. "Actually, coffee would be very good." Also, coffee breath is better fish breath, right? "If you're cold, would you like my shirt?" he offered. He smirked. "I'm still rather hot myself."

"But at the same time I completely understand," he replied with a grin. "Which is also weird, yes?"

Arista smiled, nodding her head upward. "Yeah, it's like your in my mind which is freaky. And let's just say I'm not a huge fan of Legilimency."

Sure, we can get coffee, love," "Actually, coffee would be very good." "If you're cold, would you like my shirt?" he offered. He smirked. "I'm still rather hot myself."

He kissed her forehead and then proceeded to help her up. "You do know that Greek coffee is very, on the point of insanely, strong. I mean, I drink it every morning so I am used to it. You might want to get lots of milk in it otherwise you might be up all night, which... oh duh. You work all night, so in that case you might want to have two espressos." Arista chuckled. "Oh, I don't want your shirt because then I would want to keep it and I'm not sure about how many shirts you own so I don't want to deprive you of shirts when I don't have previous knowledge... and I'm doing it again." She said, realizing once again she had started to babble.

Arista led him down the ridge to the main road where they had been earlier. The coffee shop was past the restaurant and so Arista saw them closing the fish market part of the restaurant as they walked past. "Now, are you a coffee purist or do you like the flavored stuff? I personally don't care but I always put cream in my coffee anyway."

Arista smiled, nodding her head upward. "Yeah, it's like your in my mind which is freaky. And let's just say I'm not a huge fan of Legilimency."

Artemius grimaced. "Me neither. Really, if you do that sort of thing, you have to be careful -- you might find out something from a person that you really ought not know, and that kind of thing can't be unlearned, y'know? And I don't particularly like people getting into my head, so I'll never do that to you, dearest." He smiled at her with reassurance.

"You do know that Greek coffee is very, on the point of insanely, strong. I mean, I drink it every morning so I am used to it. You might want to get lots of milk in it otherwise you might be up all night, which..." He gave her a dubious eye, grinning. "Oh. Duh. You work all night, so in that case you might want to have two espressos." They chuckled together.

"Oh, I don't want your shirt because then I would want to keep it and I'm not sure about how many shirts you own so I don't want to deprive you of shirts when I don't have previous knowledge... and I'm doing it again." She said, realizing once again she had started to babble.

Artemius grinned. "You're fine. I have plenty of shirts."

Arista led him down the ridge to the main road where they had been earlier. The coffee shop was past the restaurant and so Arista saw them closing the fish market part of the restaurant as they walked past. "Now, are you a coffee purist or do you like the flavored stuff? I personally don't care but I always put cream in my coffee anyway."

Artemius shrugged. Black coffee is too bitter. But otherwise, I'm not too picky." Mind, his regular 'coffee shop' drink was an Earl Grey latte, but when he actually bought coffee, a mocha or cappuccino was his usual. Coffee coffee required a bit of tempering.

"Me neither. Really, if you do that sort of thing, you have to be careful -- you might find out something from a person that you really ought not know, and that kind of thing can't be unlearned, y'know? And I don't particularly like people getting into my head, so I'll never do that to you, dearest."

"Thanks Artie." She said with a smile. "I'm not sure what I wouldn't want to learn about you but I'm sure I'll find something like you snore or you can't stand the sight of my toes or something like that. By the way, I happen to like my toes. As soon as it's warm enough I'll be in open-toed shoes all the time."

"You're fine. I have plenty of shirts."

"Well then, despite the fact it clashes, I'll take it. You use some yummy smelling cleaning spell so I'll probably end up sniffing it for awhile tonight."

Black coffee is too bitter. But otherwise, I'm not too picky."

"Okie dokie then," Arista said as she opened the door to the shop. "Three espressos and extra creme so you can adjust the taste." She ordered just that and then sat down at a table. "This is nice. I like going on dates with you. It's random conversation so there's no such thing as the awkward silence rule that seems to always happen on a date."

"Thanks Artie." She said with a smile. "I'm not sure what I wouldn't want to learn about you, but I'm sure I'll find something like you snore or you can't stand the sight of my toes or something like that." Artemius chuckled. "By the way, I happen to like my toes. As soon as it's warm enough I'll be in open-toed shoes all the time."

Artemius shrugged. "Feel free, I won't fault you for it. And if you happen to like your toes, than I'm sure they're adoreable. Especially considering they're hardly one of the more attractive bits on the human body." Mind, he happened to know they could also serve useful for something else... but that was hardly important at the moment.

"Well then, despite the fact it clashes, I'll take it. You use some yummy smelling cleaning spell so I'll probably end up sniffing it for awhile tonight."

Artemius grinned and gave her the shirt. Yummy smelling cleaning spell, eh? Hardly. He was never one for smelly stuff.

"Okie dokie then," Arista said as she opened the door to the shop.

The smell of espresso filled the air, and Artemius inhaled it eagerly. It was also warm and eclectic -- good to see a cafe was still a cafe no matter what country it was in.

"Three espressos and extra creme so you can adjust the taste."

Artemius nodded. "Good idea to me." They got in line and ordered, Artemius following behind just looking about curiously and keeping close. He pulled out a chair for her as they found a seat and smiled before going to his own.

"This is nice," she said with a smile. "I like going on dates with you. It's random conversation, so there's no such thing as the awkward silence rule that seems to always happen on a date."

Artemius propped his chin on a hand. "Yeah, I never got that. I mean, you shell out all this money to dress up and go eat somewhere fancy, and then the only time you speak is to say good night or complain about the salad or something. Kind of defeats the purpose, right?"

"Feel free, I won't fault you for it. And if you happen to like your toes, than I'm sure they're adoreable. Especially considering they're hardly one of the more attractive bits on the human body."

"They're a little pudgy to be honest, but I like them so I guess that's all that matter. Although I would prefer to not wear shoes at all. I prefer to go barefoot but then again, I love shoes so it's a conundrum to be fixed I suppose at a later date."

Arista sniffed the shirt, smiling. Yep, it smelled ridiculously good.

"Yeah, I never got that. I mean, you shell out all this money to dress up and go eat somewhere fancy, and then the only time you speak is to say good night or complain about the salad or something. Kind of defeats the purpose, right?"

"Yeah, I think it does. Our first date was when I was wearing work clothes which are decent - not my old speech sweats - but still not what I would chose to wear for a first date. So that took all of that pressure off that because then I didn't have to worry about what to wear. And so I hadn't put anything out - other than a few preztels which you still owe me," She kindly pointed out, "for this date so really I think it ended up well. What do you think?"

Arista mixed the espresso so it was only one tint lighter than before and than proceeded to drink it like a shot. It was how she had been taught and the scalding liquid always felt like mud by the end if the drinker didn't shoot it.

The coffee was finished with soon enough and Arista checked her watch again, this time discreetly. "Well Mr. Pumpkin we should get you back. I don't want to get in trouble with you boss because technically I suppose he's my boss and he's not in the greatest mood right now."

"They're a little pudgy to be honest, but I like them so I guess that's all that matter. Although I would prefer to not wear shoes at all. I prefer to go barefoot but then again, I love shoes so it's a conundrum to be fixed I suppose at a later date."

Artemius grinned. "I have a habit of going barefoot, meself. Call me strange, but I love to walk barefoot in the grass while it's still wet with dew or rain. Not muddy and soppy, mind, just... wet. It's cool and crisp and kind of exhillerating." He grinned.

"Yeah, I think it does. Our first date was when I was wearing work clothes which are decent - not my old speech sweats - but still not what I would chose to wear for a first date. So that took all of that pressure off that because then I didn't have to worry about what to wear. And so I hadn't put anything out - other than a few preztels which you still owe me," She kindly pointed out, "for this date so really I think it ended up well. What do you think?"

Artemius grinned. "I promise you, love, you will get your pretzels. As for the coffee, you are right -- very strong. Not that I doubted you, but... you know, experience it yourself and all. But once you get past the kick, it's very good. Thank you." He smiled at her. Now they would have yummy coffee breath when they kissed good night!

It wasn't long until they had finished their drinks -- Arista taking it as a shot, essentially, which amused Artemius to no end. "Well, Mr. Pumpkin, we should get you back. I don't want to get in trouble with you boss, because technically I suppose he's my boss, and he's not in the greatest mood right now."

Artemius chuckled. "Oh, alright. But only because I guess I could get fired if I don't, right? Spoilsports the lot of them..." He gave her a wink and a big grin.

"I have a habit of going barefoot, meself. Call me strange, but I love to walk barefoot in the grass while it's still wet with dew or rain. Not muddy and soppy, mind, just... wet. It's cool and crisp and kind of exhillerating."

Arista raised her head to the darkening sky and then raised her hands up. "Thank you Greek gods for making a man who likes running through dewy grass. I have the best boyfriend ever!" She looked down at him grinning and kissed him once more. He deserved it after that comment.

"I promise you, love, you will get your pretzels. As for the coffee, you are right -- very strong. Not that I doubted you, but... you know, experience it yourself and all. But once you get past the kick, it's very good. Thank you."

"Good because if you deprived me of my pretzels I would be sad. That bakery makes the best in all of London. They even do the cake pretzels come back to school time, per German tradition, or so I'm told."

"Oh, alright. But only because I guess I could get fired if I don't, right? Spoilsports the lot of them..."

Arista grinned at him. "Yeah, total spoilsports."

The rest of the evening went as any international date would. Arista kept secretly sniffing the shirt she had of his and they managed to get back to England in one piece.

"Be good okay - don't memorize something pointless again okay?" She asked, kissing his cheek once they were in the elevator.

Arista raised her head to the darkening sky and then raised her hands up. "Thank you, Greek gods for making a man who likes running through dewy grass. I have the best boyfriend ever!" She looked down at him grinning and kissed him once more. He deserved it after that comment.

Artemius beamed. "I'm glad I please you." He grinned. She'd thanked the Greek gods. That's rather amusing. He supposed it made sense, but... still. It wasn't something he expected to happen.

"Good because if you deprived me of my pretzels I would be sad. That bakery makes the best in all of London. They even do the cake pretzels come back to school time, per German tradition, or so I'm told."

Artemius chuckled. "Cake pretzels? Really? I'll have to try that. Maybe for my birthday," he suggested. He smiled. That'd be an interesting experience. Actually, that's probably what his mother would say on seeing such a thing, too. 'Well. This will be an interesting experience.'

Arista grinned at him. "Yeah, total spoilsports."

They made their way back to England, Artemius noticing out of the corner of his eye that she was definitely enjoying his shirt. She didn't quite need it anymore, but she was enjoying it so much... He'd have asked for it back if she wasn't having such a time. But, he decided he would let her have it. He had plenty of them at home, and in a way, it made him kind of proud that she fancied him so. Mind, the look in her eyes also conjured something up a bit more innocent than proud... But that was not for tonight. Still, he remembered it.

"Be good okay - don't memorize something pointless again okay?" She asked, kissing his cheek once they were in the elevator.

"Oh, I'll try. If I'm on a boring hall, though, I kind of can't help it. It's like they're out to get the smart guy -- drain him of all the IQ he's got. It's... heart-wrenching." As was leaving this beautiful girl, he thought to himself. "But, I suppose I shall see you in the morning, yes? Five something-ish?" It all blended together. Seeing people come in in the mornings meant his shift was almost over, which was always very nice. 11 to 7, after all.